purpose_n i_o know_v that_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v late_o and_o in_o the_o former_a age_n furnish_v our_o nation_n with_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o i_o think_v that_o their_o religious_a labour_n fit_v for_o those_o time_n and_o answerable_a to_o their_o private_a design_n will_v not_o hinder_v this_o present_a treatise_n from_o be_v useful_a in_o its_o kind_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o mistake_v late_o creep_v in_o among_o we_o and_o the_o mischief_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o enemy_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o i_o find_v they_o busy_o employ_v in_o contrive_v our_o ruin_n and_o in_o poison_v our_o people_n with_o strange_a principle_n by_o spread_v in_o the_o country_n new_a pamphlet_n print_v for_o that_o evil_a purpose_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o be_v as_o watchful_a for_o our_o own_o preservation_n the_o best_a mean_n for_o that_o intent_n be_v to_o employ_v the_o same_o policy_n and_o to_o furnish_v our_o people_n with_o new_a and_o fresh_a advice_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o antidote_n against_o the_o venom_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o we_o such_o treatise_n therefore_o as_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v very_o seasonable_a for_o our_o divide_a time_n i_o be_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v much_o want_v in_o the_o place_n where_o i_o live_v and_o to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n my_o first_o design_n be_v only_o to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o private_a want_n at_o the_o request_n of_o one_o of_o my_o parishioner_n but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o though_o providence_n have_v give_v i_o a_o particular_a inspection_n over_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o small_a division_n in_o a_o wilderness_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o aim_v in_o all_o my_o action_n at_o the_o general_a good_a i_o resolve_v to_o recommend_v to_o the_o public_a such_o a_o treatise_n as_o may_v serve_v and_o be_v useful_a to_o all_o family_n in_o our_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o it_o to_o have_v a_o general_a aim_n at_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o i_o think_v that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o he_o shall_v in_o this_o short_a tract_n find_v prayer_n and_o advice_n which_o may_v suit_v with_o the_o condition_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o soul_n you_o therefore_o that_o desire_n that_o religion_n shall_v flourish_v among_o we_o neglect_v not_o its_o chief_a duty_n but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v careful_o observe_v in_o your_o own_o practice_n and_o that_o of_o those_o recommend_v to_o your_o care_n as_o soon_o as_o your_o child_n begin_v to_o speak_v teach_v they_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n call_v upon_o they_o morning_n and_o evening_n to_o implore_v protection_n and_o assistance_n let_v their_o tongue_n be_v use_v betimes_o to_o tune_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o piety_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o durable_a portion_n which_o you_o can_v procure_v to_o your_o little_a one_o and_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v careful_o to_o practice_v this_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n let_v they_o proceed_v on_o in_o learning_n the_o prayer_n that_o be_v sit_v for_o their_o capacity_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o ability_n let_v they_o know_v that_o their_o chief_a dependency_n be_v upon_o that_o almighty_a be_v who_o have_v create_v the_o world_n and_o put_v they_o into_o it_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o this_o daily_a practice_n of_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n will_v keep_v youth_n from_o all_o those_o extravagancy_n and_o vicious_a action_n by_o which_o the_o gallant_n of_o our_o time_n be_v become_v a_o reproach_n to_o christianity_n and_o humanity_n itself_o thou_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o displeasure_n to_o see_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n either_o unruly_a in_o their_o behaviour_n or_o profane_v in_o their_o discourse_n or_o corrupt_v in_o their_o life_n if_o thou_o will_v when_o they_o be_v young_a train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o continual_a observance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a and_o of_o a_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o our_o day_n and_o from_o all_o disorder_n as_o this_o correspondency_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n man_n therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v like_o a_o watch_n or_o a_o clock_n the_o least_o neglect_n disturb_v the_o motion_n and_o steal_v he_o insensible_o into_o improficiency_n or_o a_o offence_n pray_v therefore_o o_o christian_a man_n or_o woman_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n be_v not_o silent_a when_o god_n require_v you_o to_o speak_v in_o whatsoever_o estate_n providence_n may_v cast_v you_o make_v use_n of_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v answerable_a to_o your_o condition_n if_o you_o can_v offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o your_o mind_n use_v they_o rather_o than_o other_o but_o if_o your_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a and_o your_o aversion_n so_o invincible_a that_o you_o can_v yet_o relish_v they_o use_v the_o other_o prayer_n more_o agreeable_a to_o your_o affection_n however_o neglect_v not_o this_o most_o important_a this_o most_o weighty_a and_o most_o indispensible_a duty_n but_o perform_v it_o with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o devotion_n that_o god_n greatness_n and_o thy_o mean_a condition_n require_v from_o thou_o and_o i_o beseech_v the_o god_n of_o all_o goodness_n to_o hear_v thy_o request_n to_o grant_v thy_o petition_n to_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v thy_o soul_n and_o body_n with_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o that_o this_o treatise_n may_v be_v as_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a as_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o m._n d._n a_o morning_n prayer_n for_o a_o family_n according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n o_o lord_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o before_o we_o call_v thou_o will_v answer_v and_o whilst_o we_o be_v yet_o speak_v 51.10_o isa_n 65.24_o psal_n 6.1_o psal_n 25_o 1â—_n psal_n 51.10_o thou_o will_v hear_v rebuke_v we_o not_o in_o thy_o indignation_n neither_o chasten_v we_o in_o thy_o displeasure_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n be_v merciful_a to_o our_o sin_n make_v we_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o we_o o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o spare_v all_o those_o who_o confess_v their_o sin_n unto_o thou_o that_o they_o who_o conscience_n by_o sin_n be_v accuse_v by_o thy_o merciful_a pardon_n may_v be_v absolve_v through_o christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o o_o almighty_a lord_n and_o everlasting_a god_n vouchsafe_v we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o direct_v sanctify_v and_o govern_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o body_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o commandment_n that_o through_o thy_o most_o mighty_a protection_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o body_n and_o soul_n through_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o bless_a be_v thy_o holy_a name_n o_o lord_n for_o thy_o continual_a and_o daily_a mercy_n grant_v to_o we_o for_o thy_o protection_n and_o preservation_n till_o this_o time_n for_o the_o safety_n and_o quiet_a repose_v of_o the_o last_o night_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o health_n of_o our_o body_n and_o for_o all_o thy_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o thou_o heap_a upon_o we_o gracious_a god_n we_o acknowledge_v these_o and_o all_o other_o mercy_n which_o we_o enjoy_v to_o be_v undeserved_a favour_n proceed_v from_o thy_o bountiful_a hand_n and_o fatherly_a goodness_n continue_v they_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o we_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o give_v we_o grace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o glorify_v thy_o great_a name_n and_o to_o be_v true_o thankful_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o all_o expression_n of_o thy_o unwearied_a liberality_n all_o this_o we_o beg_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n amen_n o_o god_n the_o protector_n of_o all_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o without_o who_o nothing_o be_v strong_a nothing_o be_v holy_a increase_n and_o multiply_v in_o we_o thy_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v our_o ruler_n and_o guide_n
two_o extreme_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o a_o moment_n or_o without_o some_o medium_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rid_v we_o of_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o one_o and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v for_o that_o good_a purpose_n that_o his_o wisdom_n condescend_v to_o send_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n by_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o cleanse_v from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sinful_a habit_n but_o also_o enable_v to_o this_o bless_a correspondency_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n let_v not_o therefore_o any_o persuasion_n or_o discouragement_n hinder_v thou_o o_o christian_n from_o visit_v often_o thy_o god_n in_o prayer_n let_v not_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o thy_o action_n the_o viciousness_n of_o thy_o disposition_n the_o multiplicity_n of_o worldly_a business_n the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o mistake_n of_o god_n or_o of_o thyself_o cause_v thou_o to_o omit_v this_o beneficial_a duty_n what_o if_o thou_o be_v sinful_a or_o natural_o indispose_v to_o so_o holy_a a_o performance_n remember_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o to_o render_v thy_o prayer_n effectual_a to_o sanctify_v thy_o groan_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o thy_o god_n what_o if_o thou_o make_v thy_o address_n to_o a_o glorious_a be_v of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o majesty_n if_o thy_o disposition_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o duty_n thou_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o confidence_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o he_o be_v thy_o heavenly_a father_n he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o render_v thou_o happy_a and_o to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o his_o mercy_n consider_v his_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o many_o encouragement_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o travel_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v refresh_v you_o matth._n 11.28_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.15_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o psal_n 36.5_o before_o we_o call_v he_o will_v answer_v and_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o speak_v he_o will_v hear_v isaiah_n 65.24_o to_o all_o that_o turn_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n joel_n 2.13_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n matth._n 12.20_o shall_v his_o mercy_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o draw_v back_o shall_v his_o goodness_n long_o to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o what_o thou_o want_v and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a to_o contemn_v it_o shall_v his_o love_n desire_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o thou_o by_o thy_o frequent_a address_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o slight_v his_o offer_a kindness_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o those_o ungracious_a soul_n who_o his_o wisdom_n invite_v in_o vain_a to_o herself_o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o etc._n etc._n prov._n 1.25_o 26.28_o adversity_n may_v have_v that_o power_n to_o awaken_v many_o who_o in_o prosperity_n from_o one_o year_n to_o another_o scarce_o think_v of_o pray_v to_o their_o god_n but_o what_o can_v such_o expect_v in_o reason_n from_o his_o bounty_n which_o they_o in_o their_o flourish_a estate_n despise_v or_o neglect_v those_o service_n can_v never_o be_v think_v real_a and_o sincere_a unto_o which_o necessity_n drive_v man_n and_o those_o person_n that_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o this_o duty_n at_o any_o time_n can_v probable_o receive_v from_o it_o in_o their_o great_a urgency_n the_o benefit_n they_o expect_v it_o be_v therefore_o wisdom_n constant_o to_o practice_n that_o which_o may_v stand_v we_o in_o good_a stead_n and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v assure_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n prayer_n may_v help_v and_o comfort_v thou_o o_o man_n when_o all_o other_o help_v and_o comfort_n forsake_v thou_o when_o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o guard_n thy_o treasure_n and_o thy_o friend_n thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n shall_v leave_v thou_o to_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o suffer_v thou_o to_o pass_v alone_o and_o naked_a through_o the_o dark_a and_o mournful_a vale_n of_o death_n in_o a_o word_n when_o all_o the_o world_n can_v yield_v thou_o no_o assistance_n prayer_n alone_o may_v assist_v and_o relieve_v thou_o i_o can_v prescribe_v to_o any_o person_n the_o time_n and_o moment_n for_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o address_n to_o his_o god_n there_o be_v no_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n nor_o night_n but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o humble_a application_n of_o a_o dutiful_a supplicant_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o st._n paul_n advise_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v which_o word_n we_o must_v not_o so_o understand_v as_o to_o spend_v all_o our_o time_n in_o this_o duty_n leave_v all_o other_o necessary_a employment_n of_o life_n as_o the_o ancient_a lazy_a heretic_n surname_v by_o the_o father_n euthick_n teach_v by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o this_o command_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o threefold_a interpretation_n equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o christian_n first_o we_o may_v go_v far_o to_o the_o complete_n of_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n by_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n without_o intermission_n our_o hearty_a desire_n our_o sigh_n and_o groan_n when_o we_o be_v busy_a in_o our_o daily_a work_n to_o implore_v his_o needful_a assistance_n and_o protection_n the_o constant_a business_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v not_o hinder_v thou_o from_o this_o preparation_n for_o the_o next_o nor_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o the_o world_n clog_v thy_o soul_n from_o this_o elevation_n to_o its_o god_n with_o who_o a_o uninterrupted_a correspondence_n will_v wonderful_o advance_v our_o present_a affair_n as_o well_o as_o dispose_v thou_o o_o man_n for_o a_o more_o bless_a estate_n second_o in_o imitation_n of_o david_n of_o daniel_n and_o of_o other_o religious_a man_n mention_v in_o holy_a writ_n we_o may_v pray_v always_o by_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o prayer_n at_o those_o time_n that_o chief_o require_v a_o divine_a assistance_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n continual_a mercy_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n can_v not_o be_v fright_v with_o the_o sear_n of_o the_o lion_n fury_n from_o pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n to_o his_o god_n in_o the_o morning_n when_o our_o eye_n be_v open_a again_o to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o praise_v his_o divine_a attribute_n that_o shine_v as_o bright_a as_o the_o sun_n over_o our_o head_n when_o we_o receive_v a_o fresh_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o keep_v we_o safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o precede_a night_n in_o add_v another_o day_n to_o our_o life_n and_o a_o continuance_n of_o all_o his_o temporal_a favour_n do_v not_o justice_n and_o reason_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v as_o mindful_a of_o god_n bounty_n as_o he_o be_v of_o our_o necessity_n and_o to_o be_v as_o liberal_a of_o our_o thanks_o as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o riches_n when_o in_o the_o morning_n thou_o be_v go_v about_o thy_o employment_n and_o consider_v that_o all_o thy_o labour_n will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n without_o god_n blessing_n that_o thou_o be_v go_v through_o a_o world_n of_o danger_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a a_o world_n of_o enemy_n subtle_a malicious_a and_o powerful_a that_o besiege_v thou_o on_o all_o side_n â—s_v it_o not_o thy_o interest_n to_o beg_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o that_o good_a creator_n that_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o envious_a attempt_n that_o thy_o design_n and_o undertake_n may_v be_v successful_a thy_o labour_n fruitful_a and_o all_o thy_o proceed_n prosperous_a at_o noon_n when_o thou_o
never_o expect_v any_o gracious_a return_n from_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v neither_o the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o his_o holy_a altar_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n though_o of_o the_o priestly_a race_n levit._n 21.18_o if_o under_o the_o law_n the_o want_n of_o these_o member_n exclude_v man_n from_o god_n service_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o under_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o noble_a member_n be_v want_v the_o heart_n and_o its_o affection_n a_o gospel_n worship_n must_v be_v a_o hearty_a worship_n that_o only_o be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v acceptance_n it_o be_v god_n complaint_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o honour_v god_n with_o their_o lip_n whilst_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o formality_n who_o frequent_o attend_v at_o prayer_n without_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o devotion_n it_o shall_v be_v therefore_o our_o care_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n with_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o want_n necessity_n future_a advantage_n experience_n duty_n god_n presence_n and_o whatever_o may_v have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o five_o and_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_v we_o must_v kindle_v they_o with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n which_o must_v burn_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o want_n as_o with_o a_o earnest_n and_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o glorify_v our_o maker_n however_o both_o may_v very_o well_o contribute_v to_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n now_o this_o zeal_n needful_a in_o all_o our_o address_n be_v that_o holy_a violence_n that_o strain_v our_o affection_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o give_v that_o perfection_n to_o the_o action_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v want_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o dissidence_n of_o ourselves_o and_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o profane_a sloathfulness_n which_o may_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o his_o mercy_n it_o sill_n the_o soul_n full_a of_o jealousy_n which_o awaken_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o present_a duty_n and_o as_o our_o great_a saviour_n when_o he_o expel_v the_o merchant_n and_o money-changer_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n so_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o zealous_a affection_n for_o his_o god_n drive_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n all_o worldly_a business_n and_o consideration_n of_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n the_o soul_n without_o the_o interruption_n and_o clamour_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o secular_a interest_n where_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n common_o insinuate_v themselves_o too_o much_o john_n 2.16_o six_o as_o there_o be_v a_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o our_o person_n and_o manner_n of_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o god_n glorious_a perfection_n and_o our_o own_o vile_a and_o mean_a estate_n we_o must_v likewise_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n reveal_v or_o secret_a will_n god_n will_n must_v regulate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n for_o christ_n our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o bless_a example_n to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o as_o well_o as_o desirous_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n will_n on_o earth_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a agent_n the_o great_a maker_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankined_a that_o all_o our_o inclination_n and_o will_n ought_v to_o yield_v homage_n to_o his_o pleasure_n in_o which_o submission_n there_o be_v this_o advantage_n arise_v to_o ourselves_o thereby_o we_o compass_v and_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n a_o infallible_a happiness_n for_o the_o best_a self-interest_n be_v a_o submission_n to_o that_o wise_a agent_n who_o be_v engage_v to_o promote_v our_o felicity_n and_o his_o glory_n together_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n rom._n 8.28_o if_o in_o other_o action_n of_o our_o life_n god_n will_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o desire_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o in_o that_o weighty_a and_o religious_a action_n of_o prayer_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n together_o be_v to_o summon_v all_o their_o faculty_n and_o member_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o benefactor_n for_o the_o chief_a intent_n of_o this_o performance_n be_v the_o magnify_v of_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v if_o we_o suffer_v any_o of_o our_o desire_n to_o oppose_v his_o will_n or_o contradict_v his_o wisdom_n or_o question_v his_o alsufficiency_n and_o goodness_n the_o want_n of_o his_o mercy_n shall_v cause_v thou_o o_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o thou_o expect_v a_o favourable_a return_n from_o his_o bounty_n thou_o must_v learn_v to_o court_v it_o by_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o governance_n both_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o desire_v and_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n which_o he_o judge_v most_o seasonable_a to_o grant_v thou_o thy_o request_n all_o impatiency_n in_o prayer_n be_v guilty_a of_o indiscretion_n of_o profane_a folly_n of_o disrespect_n and_o disesteem_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n man_n must_v learn_v to_o prefer_v his_o glory_n who_o goodness_n they_o want_v to_o the_o satiate_v of_o their_o own_o crave_v and_o importunate_a appetite_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o furious_a desire_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o we_o find_v they_o proceed_v beyond_o the_o bound_n limit_v by_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o our_o real_a happiness_n which_o common_o be_v unseparable_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o desire_v from_o god_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n for_o faith_n grace_n regeneration_n strength_n against_o sin_n truth_n wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o other_o blessing_n relate_v to_o god_n immediate_a glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n a_o petitioner_n can_v never_o be_v too_o earnest_a zealous_a and_o impatient_a such_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v wrest_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o our_o good_a god_n by_o our_o continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n violence_n condemn_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o such_o as_o intend_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o heaven_n kingdom_n and_o a_o holy_a importunity_n in_o prayer_n never_o return_v without_o a_o grant_n of_o the_o request_n when_o we_o ask_v the_o divine_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n unless_o we_o have_v like_o esau_n forfeit_v before_o all_o pretension_n to_o it_o for_o god_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o bestow_v they_o as_o we_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o their_o excellency_n be_v such_o that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v and_o desire_v they_o too_o much_o as_o david_n therefore_o who_o soul_n be_v insatiable_a on_o earth_n for_o grace_n and_o divine_a mercy_n let_v we_o not_o give_v ourselves_o any_o rest_n until_o we_o have_v obtain_v these_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n but_o as_o earthly_a prosperity_n and_o blessing_n relate_v to_o our_o better_a conveniency_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o value_n and_o importance_n our_o request_n for_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v qualify_v according_o and_o because_o in_o some_o rule_n they_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o everlasting_a interest_n we_o be_v to_o beg_v they_o always_o with_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o great_a god_n who_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o most_o conduce_v to_o our_o real_a good_a to_o desire_v they_o too_o passionate_o or_o without_o any_o such_o condescension_n be_v to_o idolise_v the_o creature_n and_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v to_o give_v to_o those_o earthly_a and_o mean_a thing_n that_o affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o divine_a mercy_n nature_n i_o confess_v will_v be_v always_o crave_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o cry_v aloud_o for_o a_o relief_n and_o remedy_n but_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o those_o natural_a motion_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o humanity_n be_v loath_a to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitter_a cup_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o
the_o form_n and_o beauty_n to_o any_o thing_n he_o take_v the_o matter_n from_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v already_o make_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o st._n judas_n advise_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v either_o in_o that_o method_n and_o manner_n or_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n for_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v according_a the_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o those_o thing_n that_o agree_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v observe_v those_o particular_n outward_o and_o inward_o as_o may_v recommend_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o employ_v those_o grace_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o a_o more_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n a_o true_a christian_a may_v want_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n but_o no_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_a can_v want_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o those_o inward_a ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o prayer_n for_o this_o inward_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o heaven_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o principle_n of_o all_o spiritual_a motion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o always_o in_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o prayer_n because_o these_o ability_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o obstruct_v by_o some_o powerful_a impediment_n nevertheless_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v no_o soon_o begin_v in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o call_v god_n abba_n father_n therefore_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 8._o v._n 26._o that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v 1._o observe_v roman_n 10._o v._o 1._o this_o and_o all_o other_o passage_n that_o mention_v pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n may_v encourage_v we_o to_o take_v with_o we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o and_o employ_v the_o ability_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o for_o that_o good_a purpose_n they_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a imperfection_n and_o weakness_n and_o advise_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o spiritual_a help_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o those_o form_n which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n have_v establish_v in_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o passage_n nor_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o require_v thou_o to_o wait_v for_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n from_o above_o that_o disallow_n of_o a_o judicious_a and_o religious_a preparation_n or_o of_o prescribe_a prayer_n compose_v by_o man_n as_o much_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o any_o now_o alive_a why_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o use_n of_o these_o prayer_n be_v call_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n if_o i_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o that_o devout_a manner_n as_o god_n require_v why_o shall_v i_o prefer_v the_o new_a modes_n of_o man_n who_o ability_n and_o integrity_n i_o know_v not_o perhaps_o to_o those_o that_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v agreeable_a with_o god_n will_n and_o word_n why_o shall_v i_o reject_v the_o old_a prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v so_o impatient_a to_o hear_v new_a which_o i_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v till_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v they_o if_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o auditor_n what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o refuse_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n compose_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o a_o constant_a use_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n to_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o new_a mode_n and_o new_a prayer_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o how_o true_o i_o know_v not_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o favourer_n of_o the_o pride_n presumption_n and_o sanciness_n of_o those_o person_n that_o rush_v into_o god_n public_a worship_n without_o a_o due_a preparation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v prepare_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n which_o they_o pronounce_v what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o prefer_v this_o prayer_n compose_v by_o this_o private_a person_n though_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o religious_a prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n allow_v of_o by_o so_o many_o wise_a learned_a and_o godly_a divine_n enlighten_v also_o doubtless_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o prayer_n by_o or_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o likewise_o if_o i_o perform_v it_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o offer_v it_o up_o with_o my_o soul_n and_o affection_n o_o how_o idle_a and_o frivolous_a how_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a be_v these_o prejudices_fw-la against_o our_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n second_o but_o these_o person_n that_o be_v so_o much_o admire_v by_o ignorant_a people_n for_o their_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n of_o any_o long_a continuance_n be_v admire_v for_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v perform_v for_o if_o they_o pray_v extempore_o without_o prepararation_n some_o in_o the_o congregation_n may_v perhaps_o real_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o the_o person_n that_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n whilst_o their_o fancy_n be_v so_o busy_o employ_v in_o seek_v for_o matter_n and_o expression_n can_v never_o oblige_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o offer_v their_o prayer_n up_o to_o god_n in_o that_o devout_a manner_n as_o be_v require_v this_o prayer_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v but_o a_o speech_n and_o no_o prayer_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o eloquent_a and_o never_o so_o much_o able_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n our_o mind_n can_v be_v total_o employ_v in_o two_o action_n at_o once_o whilst_o our_o apprehension_n be_v distract_v to_o seek_v for_o word_n and_o fit_a expression_n they_o can_v be_v fix_v upon_o that_o divine_a be_v unto_o who_o we_o make_v our_o address_n nor_o cause_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o humility_n and_o those_o affection_n which_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v necessary_a they_o can_v mind_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o want_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a supply_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v petition_v for_o their_o soul_n can_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o express_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o god_n greatness_n and_o a_o earnest_a affection_n for_o those_o blessing_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o their_o care_n be_v to_o move_v the_o tongue_n and_o not_o the_o heart_n whilst_o the_o one_o be_v busy_o employ_v the_o other_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o service_n i_o can_v think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o quick_a apprehension_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v their_o organ_n with_o plenty_n of_o matter_n and_o expression_n and_o at_o the_o same_o moment_n to_o mind_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o keep_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o sit_v disposition_n for_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o divide_v this_o single_a be_v into_o so_o many_o part_n such_o a_o activity_n seem_v to_o i_o almost_o as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o that_o of_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o christ_n humane_a body_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o like_a absurdity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o soul_n use_v the_o unity_n of_o all_o its_o faculty_n requireâ—_n a_o single_a object_n at_o once_o it_o may_v be_v so_o quick_a as_o to_o sly_a to_o another_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o this_o change_n and_o this_o motion_n of_o the_o apprehension_n incapable_a of_o two_o or_o three_o object_n at_o one_o single_a instant_n plain_o discover_v the_o impossibility_n of_o pray_v well_o and_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o worthy_a disposition_n and_o the_o affection_n in_o a_o sit_v temper_n in_o extemporary_a and_o long_a prayer_n because_o the_o mind_n that_o shall_v take_v this_o charge_n and_o the_o care_n to_o summon_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v busy_o employ_v in_o other_o matter_n now_o without_o this_o conjunction_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o this_o concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o devotion_n nor_o prayer_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v spiritual_a or_o perform_v with_o or_o in_o the_o spirit_n for_o though_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o